Don’t push the panic button on New Zealand yet
Rugby writers Toby Robson and Liam Napier answer four key questions about the RWC’s pools.
Robson: Not on the playing or viewing front it won’t. England are out, but the show goes on and there can’t be too many rugby fans across the world who haven’t been riveted by the tournament so far.
Crowds have been great and with the knockout stages sold out regardless the atmosphere for travelling fans won’t suffer.
However, the local economy and television ratings probably will as neutral fans turn their attention back to English football and celebrity watch. That’s a pity for local publicans across the country. Napier: Not overly. It will take the wind out of the casual local observer’s interest but there are enough rugby people and travellers to keep the vibe alive throughout the remaining month.
Bars and restaurants may take a hit, though that’s not the concern of fans. Try telling Welsh supporters the World Cup isn’t as interesting.
WHAT’S WRONG WITH SAMOA – WE EXPECTED MORE?
Robson: One has to wonder if Samoan rugby has become distracted by the political war that’s raged behind the scenes.
The players should be admired for taking a stand and demanding better treatment from their own union and World Rugby. They have been fighting the good fight and leading the charge on behalf of all pacific island nations.
However, at what cost to their own focus? Samoa came to this World Cup with a strong team on paper, but haven’t fired a shot. While other tier two nations have troubled the top sides with their contrasting and unique styles, Samoa look like a pacific team trying to play like a New Zealand Super Rugby side. Napier: Difficult to nail down one reason. From the outside they appear to be lacking flair – Alapati Leiua’s absence was a major blow – and a composed first five-eighth. Discipline has been another issue.
On the whole the Pacific Islands have been a major disappointment. Samoa’s squad may be on the old side and, in hindsight, filling it with offshore Kiwis hasn’t worked. Robson: Yes and no. It’s pointless to panic and history shows form through the pool stages does not dictate which side wins the title. Coach Steve Hansen has a plan and has clearly held things back through the opening three matches. His record suggests he knows what he’s up to.
However, drop ball, a shaky scrum and Dan Carter’s still not entirely convincing form at first five-eighth are genuine concerns. Napier: To a degree, yes. There’s certainly no need for panic but the lack of cohesion, execution and scrum wobbles has been a continued frustration. You would expect the All Blacks to iron out many of these creases in their final pool match against Tonga but, then again, we expected them to sort it out last week against Georgia. The number of dropped balls was staggering in that match.
It’s only natural for players to become over anxious when things aren’t working which places extra importance on the Tongan test.
IS POOL D THE WEAKEST GROUP OF ALL?
Robson: Yes. This pool is entirely a two-horse race between Ireland and France. Italy simply haven’t shown up despite a slightly better effort against Ireland.
It’s a pity because years in the Six Nations appears to have done little to improve the standard of the Italian side.
Everyone thought Pool C would be the weakest, but Georgia have been the big improvers, Namibia a surprise package, Tonga physical but lacking decision makers, and Argentina a genuine title contender. Napier: Before Ireland’s scratchy win over Italy yesterday I would have said yes. But with inspirational captain Sergio Parisse back on deck Italy were a different team. They played with passion, surprising flair and went close to pulling off an upset before losing 16-9; as you’d expect from a Six Nations team.
n the whole the All Blacks’ pool seems the weakest, even with the competitiveness of Georgia and Namibia. Georgia’s victory over Tonga sums up how far off those three teams are from the Pumas and defending champions.